Traffic lights for obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention?

An investigation into ways to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes in New Zealand has set off fireworks… red, orange and green in colour!

A recent health select committee inquiry recommended that a 'traffic light' system, or similar, be added to the labelling of New Zealand foods to help consumers make healthier food choices.

The UK has a labelling system of multiple 'traffic lights' for fat, salt and sugar content of foods and drinks. The coloured ‘lights’ on their food items indicate whether it is high or low in each of these nutrients.

British consumers found the system easy to understand, readily accepted it, and have shifted their purchases towards healthier options in response.

The finer details of the proposed food labelling system in New Zealand are yet to be agreed, as debate continues to rage about whether the multiple 'traffic light' system would confuse New Zealand consumers or if, in fact, the system is too 'simplistic' to be useful.